JP6244311B2 - Windshield wiper device and method of manufacturing - Google Patents

Description

This application claims the benefit of application serial number 61 / 570,563, filed December 14, 2011, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to windscreen wiper devices for automobiles, and more particularly to hybrid windscreen wiper devices.

2. Related Art The vast majority of windshield wiper devices or wiper blades for automobiles are referred to as conventional wiper blades (hereinafter “conventional blades”) or beam-type wiper blades (hereinafter “beam blades”). ). Conventional blades typically include an elongated wiper strip, at least one carrier element (also known as a flexor), and a frame structure having a plurality of coupling features and pawls. The carrier element is generally shaped linearly in a relaxed state, and the frame structure allows the carrier element and wiper strip to be bent while allowing the carrier element and wiper strip to bend to match the curvature of the vehicle windshield. Disperses force from wiper arm over length. This establishes a seal between the wiper strip and the windshield.

  Compared to conventional blades, beam blades lack a frame structure. Instead, the carrier element of the beam blade is curved in a relaxed state. When the beam blade is pressed against the windshield, the curved carrier element aligns the wiper strip with the curvature of the windshield and presses the wiper strip substantially the entire length against the windshield, Establish a seal with the glass. A beam blade typically also includes one or more spoiler elements that use a flow of air above the beam blade to apply a downward force on the carrier element and the wiper strip while the vehicle is moving. Press the wiper further.

  Some wiper blade manufacturers are beginning to produce and sell “hybrid blades” that include certain features from both conventional blades and beam blades. Such hybrid blades typically include a frame structure, which is otherwise covered with a spoiler-shaped cover portion that imparts the downward force effect of the beam blade on the conventional blade.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to one aspect of the invention, a windscreen wiper device is provided for cleaning a vehicle windshield. The windshield wiper device includes an elongated wiper strip of flexible material for sealing against the windshield and at least one carrier element extending between the opposed end portions. At least one carrier element is coupled to the elongated wiper strip and biases the elongated wiper strip into a predetermined configuration. The windshield wiper device also includes a frame structure having a plurality of pawls that engage at least one carrier element and including at least two end caps that slidably support an end portion of the at least one carrier element. At least an end portion of the at least one carrier element is bent in a relaxed state to bias the wiper strip against the windshield, and the end cap is pivotally coupled to at least an adjacent portion of the frame structure. .

  In operation, the end of the wiper strip is biased against the windshield by a curved carrier element or a plurality of carrier elements while the end cap is free to rotate with respect to at least an adjacent part of the frame structure. Seal against glass. The remaining portion of the wiper strip may be biased against the windshield by an element of the frame structure other than the end cap, by other curved portions of the carrier strip, or a combination thereof.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, the frame structure further includes a main bridge portion extending approximately between the end caps, and the end cap is rotatable with respect to the main bridge portion. The outer surface of the main bridge and end caps create an aerodynamic downward force on the carrier element, further urging the wiper strip against the windshield when the vehicle is traveling at speed All are substantially spoiler shaped to improve the seal between the wiper strip and the windshield. This aerodynamic downward force is substantially the only biasing force applied by the end cap to the carrier element and wiper strip. That is, when the vehicle is stationary, the biasing force by the end caps on the carrier element and the wiper strip is almost zero.

  These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated. As these will be more fully understood with reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

1 is a perspective elevation view of an exemplary wiper blade assembly. FIG. FIG. 2 is a partially exploded view of the wiper blade assembly of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is an exploded view of an exemplary end portion subassembly from the wiper blade assembly of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a partially exploded view of the end portion subassembly of FIG. 3 showing two of the portions joined together. FIG. 2 is a perspective elevation view of an end portion subassembly from the wiper blade assembly of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a perspective partial view of a main bridge portion from the wiper blade assembly of FIG. 1. It is sectional drawing of the main bridge part taken along line 7-7 of FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective elevation view of a pair of carrier elements from the wiper blade assembly of FIG. 1.

Description of Possible Embodiments An exemplary embodiment of a hybrid windscreen wiper device or hybrid wiper blade assembly 20 is shown generally in FIG. 1 with reference to the figures where like numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. . The exemplary wiper blade assembly 20 includes a wiper strip 22 of flexible and resilient material, such as rubber, for sealing against a vehicle windshield to blow rain, snow, ice, or other elements. The exemplary wiper strip 22 extends substantially the entire longitudinal length of the wiper strip 22 and receives a pair of carrier elements 24 (also known as flexors) to predetermine the wiper strip 22. It includes a pair of opposing grooves that bias the configuration. The carrier element 24 is formed from a thin strip of flexible and spring-like material such as spring steel. The carrier element 24 is preferably arranged in one position so that it can be slidably arranged in the groove entirely or the remaining part of the wiper strip 22 can slide relative to the carrier element 24 in the longitudinal direction. Only in the engaged state with the wiper strip 22. Any of these configurations, when bent to match the curvature of the windshield (not shown), relaxes the internal stress in the wiper strip 22 and improves the wipe quality and durability of the wiper blade assembly 20. Have

  An exemplary wiper blade assembly 20 is coupled to a carrier element 24 and a frame that distributes forces from a wiper arm (not shown) across a portion of the wiper strip 22 to seal that portion of the wiper strip 22 against the windshield. Structure 26 is also included. As best shown in the partially exploded view of FIG. 2, the exemplary frame structure 26 includes a pair of end portion subs configured for attachment to a main bridge 28 and opposite ends of the main bridge 28. Assembly 30. The connecting device 32 is disposed at a substantially central location of the main bridge portion 28 and is configured for attachment to the end of the wiper arm. It should be appreciated that the connecting device 32 can be of different design ranges for mounting with different types of wiper arms including, for example, hook-type wiper arms, pin-type wiper arms, or plug-in-type wiper arms. .

  Referring now to FIG. 3, an exploded view of one of the end portion subassemblies 30 is shown. The exemplary end portion subassembly 30 includes a coupling mechanism 34, a connecting portion 36, and an end cap 38 (or end cover). The exemplary connecting portion 36 is generally U-shaped when viewed in cross-section and has an upper side wall and a pair of side walls. The sidewall includes two sets of apertures 40 spaced from each other, and the upper sidewall has a spring loaded tab 42 (or plug-in pin) located between the sets of apertures 40. The spring loaded tab 42 is shaped similarly to the spring loaded tab 42 and is disposed within the main bridge 28 to interconnect the end portion subassembly 30 to the main bridge 28 ( It is configured to snap into engagement with the recess 44 (shown in FIG. 7).

  As shown, one end of the end cap 38 does not limit the longitudinal movement of the carrier element 24 relative to the downwardly extending flange portion 46 and the remainder of the end cap 38 and frame structure 26 (FIG. 1). A pair of generally L-shaped retaining elements 48 for partially wrapping around and supporting the carrier element 24). That is, the retaining element 48 is not clamped, tethered or otherwise secured to the carrier element 24. An outwardly extending tongue 50 having a pair of opposing posts 52 is disposed on the end of the end cap 38 opposite the downwardly extending flange portion 46. As shown in FIG. 4, the column 52 on the tongue 50 is inserted into one of the set of apertures 40 on the connection portion 36 to provide a pivotal relationship between the end cap 38 and the connection portion 36. Establish. Thus, the end cap 38 is also rotatable with respect to the main bridge portion 28. The open bottom of the connecting portion 36 allows the end cap 38 to pivot downward and the upper side wall of the connecting portion 36 serves as a stop to limit the upward pivoting of the end cap 38.

  The coupling mechanism 34 of each end portion subassembly 30 includes two sets of pawls 54 that are spaced apart from each other. The pairs of claws 54 are interconnected with each other through a V-shaped bridge 56 having a pair of opposingly extending columns 53 disposed at the apex thereof. As shown in FIG. 5, the post 53 is inserted into one of the set of apertures 40 in the connection portion 36 to establish a rotational relationship between the coupling mechanism 34 and the connection portion 36. The open bottom of the connecting portion 36 allows the coupling mechanism 34 to pivot in two directions. Similar to the retaining element 48 on the end cap 38, the pawl 54 slides with the exemplary carrier element 24 while also allowing the carrier element 24 and the wiper strip 22 to slide longitudinally relative to the coupling mechanism 34. In dynamic (ie non-fixed) engagement, this biases the wiper strip 22 against the windshield. This feature reduces the wiping quality of the wiper blade assembly 20 by reducing internal stresses in the carrier element 24 and wiper strip 22 when the carrier element 24 and wiper strip 22 are bent to match the curvature of the windshield. Improve durability.

  Returning to FIG. 1, in the exemplary wiper blade assembly 20, the movement of the carrier element 24 and the wiper strip 22 relative to the frame structure 26 is such that the end cap 38 disposed adjacent to the end of the carrier element 24 and the wiper strip 22. Limited by the upper flange portion 46. Specifically, the carrier element 24 and the wiper strip 22 may only slide relative to the frame structure 26 within the area established by the flange portion 46 of the end portion subassembly 30. Thus, the wiper blade assembly 20 is configured such that the wiper strip 22 or carrier element 24 does not come off the frame structure 26.

  Referring now to FIG. 8, each of the carrier elements 24 is pre-shaped to present a curved end portion 58 before it is inserted into the groove of the wiper strip 22. Specifically, at least the end portion 58 of the carrier element 24 is curved downwardly concavely to bias the end of the wiper strip 22 against the vehicle windshield. In this way, the entire length of the wiper strip 22 is biased against the windshield between the pawl 54 on the coupling mechanism 34 of the frame structure 26 and the curved end portion 58 of the carrier element 24, and the wiper blade assembly 20. And establish a sealing relationship between the windshield. Curvature is preferably formed in the carrier element 24 through a roll forming process, and at least one roller is pressed against the carrier element 24 to plastically deform the material of the carrier element 24 so that it exits the roller. The carrier element 24 is given a curvature. This force may be varied, for example, by coupling at least one roller to the cam, thereby forming the carrier element 24 to have both curved and straight sections, as well as sections of different curvature. Make it possible. The curvature of the end portion 58 of the carrier element 24 is preferably chosen so that the wiper strip 22 is pressed substantially uniformly against the windshield to seal the wiper strip 22 substantially uniformly against the windshield. It is. The larger radius curvature results in a smaller seal between the wiper strip 22 and the windshield, while the smaller radius curvature results in a stronger seal between the wiper strip 22 and the windshield. Become.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the outer surfaces of the end cap 38 and the main bridge 28 are substantially spoiler-shaped. This creates a downward force, further biases the wiper strip 22 against the windshield, and improves the seal established between them when the vehicle is traveling at speed and wipe quality To improve. In the exemplary embodiment, this aerodynamic downward force is substantially the only biasing force applied to the carrier element 24 and the wiper strip 22 by the end cap 38 that is freely pivotable relative to the main bridge 28. is there. That is, any biasing by the end cap 38 against the carrier element 24 and the wiper strip 22 from gravity is not substantial.

  Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings, which are within the scope of the appended claims but are practiced in ways other than those specifically described. May be.

Claims (14)

A windscreen wiper device for cleaning a vehicle windshield,
An elongated wiper strip of flexible material for sealing against the windshield;
One carrier element extending between opposite end portions and supporting the elongated wiper strip to bias the elongated wiper strip into a predetermined configuration;
A pair of generally V-shaped coupling mechanisms each having a plurality of claws that engage the carrier element between the main bridge and the end portions and bias the wiper strip portion against the windshield And a frame structure that also includes at least two end caps that slidably support the end portion of the at least one carrier element;
The end cap is operably coupled to the main bridge portion of the frame structure at a pivot position spaced from the V-shaped coupling mechanism to allow the end cap to pivot relative to the main bridge portion. At least the end portion of the at least one carrier element curves in a relaxed state to urge the wiper strip against the windshield;
Each of the end portion sub-assemblies is further formed as a separate part from the main bridge, the end cap, and the coupling mechanism, and operably couples the coupling mechanism and the end cap to the main bridge. a connecting portion seen including, said end cap is rotatable relative to the connecting portion, windscreen wiper device.   The frame structure includes a main bridge portion and a pair of end portion subassemblies coupled to opposite ends of the main bridge portion, the end cap being in the end portion subassembly. Windshield wiper device as described.   The windscreen wiper apparatus of claim 2, wherein each of the end caps includes at least one retaining element that partially wraps around the carrier element.   The windscreen wiper device of claim 3, wherein the at least one holding element is further defined as a pair of holding elements.   Windscreen wiper device according to claim 4, wherein the holding element is substantially L-shaped.   The windscreen wiper device of claim 2, wherein each of the end portion subassemblies also includes at least one coupling mechanism, and wherein at least one set of the pawls engages the carrier element.   The claw set is in sliding engagement with the carrier element to allow the at least one carrier element to slide longitudinally relative to the V-shaped coupling mechanism. Windshield wiper device.   Each of the end caps is disposed next to adjacent ends of the wiper strip and the carrier element to limit the longitudinal movement of the carrier element and the wiper strip relative to the frame structure. The windscreen wiper device of claim 7, further comprising a downwardly extending flange portion that establishes.   The connecting portion of the end portion subassembly receives a column on the end cap and the coupling mechanism to establish a rotational relationship between the end cap and the connecting portion and between the coupling mechanism and the connecting portion. The windscreen wiper device of claim 1, comprising a set of apertures for establishing.   The windscreen wiper device according to claim 9, wherein each of the connecting portions has a pair of side walls and an upper side wall and is substantially U-shaped when viewed in cross section.   The windscreen wiper device of claim 10, wherein the aperture on the connecting portion is on the side wall.   The windscreen wiper device of claim 10, wherein each of the connecting portions includes a spring loaded tab on an upper sidewall thereof for snap fitting with the main bridge. A windscreen wiper device for cleaning a vehicle windshield,
An elongated wiper strip of flexible material for sealing against the windshield;
A carrier element extending between opposite end portions and engaging the elongated wiper strip to bias the elongated wiper strip into a predetermined configuration;
A plurality of claws for engaging the carrier element between the end portions and urging the wiper strip portion against the windshield, and slidably supporting the end portion of the carrier element; A frame structure that also includes at least two end caps,
The frame structure includes a main bridge portion and a pair of end portion subassemblies coupled to opposite ends of the main bridge portion, the end cap being in the end portion subassembly;
Each of the end portion subassemblies is formed as a separate portion from the generally V-shaped coupling mechanism, the end cap, the coupling mechanism, the end cap, and the main bridge. Including a connecting part that internally connects with the main bridge,
The connecting portion of each end portion subassembly receives a column on the end cap and the V-shaped coupling mechanism, and between the end cap and the connecting portion and between the V-shaped coupling mechanism and the connection. Including a set of apertures to establish a rotational relationship between the parts,
Each connecting portion has a pair of side walls and an upper wall and is generally U-shaped in cross-sectional view,
The end cap is operatively connected to the main bridge portion of the frame structure and the end cap operatively at a rotation position separated from the V-shaped coupling mechanism for allowing the end cap to rotate with respect to the main bridge portion; At least the end portion of the carrier element curves in a relaxed state to urge the wiper strip against the windshield, each of the end caps extending outwardly and presenting the post And a windscreen wiper device including a tongue that establishes a pivotal relationship between the end cap and the connecting portion.   The windscreen wiper device of claim 1, wherein the carrier element is shaped substantially linearly between the curved end portions when in the relaxed state.

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